Let It Grow

The Chula Vista City Council unanimously approved a resolution to adopt a community garden policy on Tuesday, February 23. The program will designate a portion of city-owned land that can be cultivated collectively by a group of people or individually by designated plot holders.

Siting of the garden has yet to be done, and a group responsible for the garden’s operation must be permitted by the City. During the meeting, city staff noted the importance of community groups and nonprofits taking the lead in establishing the gardens.

The movement to bring the project to Chula Vista started early in 2009, when representatives from the community, public health advocates, and elected officials voiced interest in the establishment of gardens.

Proponents of the project stated that the garden will allow Chula Vista communities to “…access fresh produce, engage in healthful low-intensity exercise, and develop a sense of neighborhood cohesion.”

Charlotte Dixon, director of the Healthy Eating Active Living Cities Campaign, said that with the adoption of a community garden policy, Chula Vista became the first “active” HEAL city; 26 other cities throughout California have been classified as “eager” HEAL cities.